Explore the area

Whether you’re into culture and art, architecture, or simply soaking up the rays on sandy-white beaches, there is so much to see and do in and around the area. Here are a few activities we highly recommend – and can arrange for you:

River Cruise and Dinner

Be wined, dined and captivated by the sight of Hoi An at night on this relaxing two-and-a-half-hour cruise down the Thu Bon River. In a private, traditional boat, you’ll be greeted with a cocktail and snacks, before sitting down to a freshly prepared, scrumptious dinner. After dining, you can choose to stroll down the river to make a wish with a candlelit lantern, and set it into the water to join the other twinkling lights, before returning to the villa.

Cycling Tour

The historic district of Hoi An is truly UNESCO worthy, but you cannot fully appreciate life in this city without venturing across the river into the rural countryside that most locals call home.

Only a stone’s throw from the busy town, you can enjoy a gentle (and flat!) tour of the Hoi An that locals know: stunning village scenes, paddy fields, artisan makers, local coffee shops, fishing ports, simple foods, religious traditions and hidden gems you only really appreciate on two wheels.

An Bang Beach

An Bang is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, with a wonderful stretch of fine sand and an enormous horizon that takes in the distant Cham Islands.

Enjoy delicious food, relax on sun loungers or take a swim in the warm waters of the South China Sea.

My Son Sanctuary

The capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th century, My Son is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beautifully situated in a lush green valley, it is renowned for its historical and architectural wonders. Spend a morning exploring these fascinating, ancient Hindu temples before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant.

Walking tour of Hoi An old town

Join a guided walking tour and explore Hoi An Ancient town with a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide.

See and hear about the town’s exceptionally well-preserved complex of 1,107 timber frame buildings, as well as its architectural monuments, open market, ferry quay, and many religious pagodas.

After the tour, you can take more time to explore the town, shop, or simply sit back and relax in one of the many delightful cafes and coffee shops.

Vietnamese Cooking Class

Experience the delights of Tra Que Village, where all vegetables are organically and sustainably grown.

Visit a local market, join a farmer to see some of the traditional methods still used for preparing the land, take part in various gardening activities, and enjoy a relaxing foot massage with traditional medicinal herbs. Then learn how to cook a range of famous local dishes before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of your morning’s work.

The Marble Mountains

Named after the five elements (metal, water, wood, fire and earth), the Marble Mountains are a myriad of natural cave networks worshipped as a holy site by both the Champa Kingdom and Buddhist settlers.

Take a glass elevator up to the mountain-top where you can delve into the mysteries of the Linh Ung Pagoda and Temple, Xa Loi Tower and hidden delights of the Huyen Kong caves. Visit Am Phu Cave to find a replica of heaven and hell, eerie underground tunnels and to possibly hear the clapping of bats' wings.

Before descending the 156 steps carved into the mountainside (or returning in the elevator), climb to the summit and admire the beautiful panoramic view. On a clear day, you can even see the mountains bordering Laos.

Hoi An Silk Village

Just outside of Hoi An city centre, see local artisans at work as they weave silk into a variety of garments and tapestries using ancient wooden looms.

During this fascinating tour you’ll learn how silk is produced from cocoon to loom, pick and chop mulberry leaves to hand-feed the silk worms, experience the weaving process of the Cham people, and learn to distinguish real silk from fake.

Lantern Making Workshop

It’s impossible to spend any time in Hoi An without seeing a plethora of brightly-coloured lanterns.

This workshop offers you the opportunity to make your very own lantern using traditional techniques. Return home with a beautiful souvenir to remind you of your time here. We can even arrange for you to enjoy this activity in the comfort of the villa.

Cham Islands Biosphere Reserve

Yet another UNESCO site, the Cham Islands form a part of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park – a world Biosphere Reserve renowned for its diverse marine life. A full-day cruise will take you 15km from the coast of Hoi An.

There’s plenty of free time for swimming, snorkelling and exploring the underwater wonders of the ocean. The day also includes a delicious lunch at a beachside restaurant.